Interviews

Wayne Watne is a Fish Biologist with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), a landowner along the Samish River, and a dedicated SFEG community member and volunteer.

Kurt Buchanan has worked as a fish biologist in the Skagit Valley since 1988. He is a founding member of SFEG and sat on our board for many years! Kurt shares valuable information with us about the the brand new Maddox Creek stream channel, and more!

After discovering her love for education while volunteering at the Seattle Aquarium, KayLani has been working with youth and adults through a variety of classroom and outdoor environmental education programs for the past 9 years. KayLani worked with SFEG as our Americorps Education Associate and she is passionate about salmon recovery.

Phill Kincare has worked with the US Forest Service for 37 years, and his last 16 with the Skagit Wild and Scenic River Program. During his tenure and beyond, Phill has collaborated with local non profits such as Skagit Land Trust, Skagit River System Cooperative, Skagit Watershed Council, and of course--SFEG!

Vilina Sanburn-Bill is passionate about salmon education. She shares with us her insights about why salmon are important, how to get involved in salmon habitat restoration, and last but not least, Vilina shares her favorite salmon joke with us.

Chris Brown, a dedicated community member and salmon photographer extraordinaire, discusses the spawner survey volunteer program and his passion for salmon.

SFEG, with the help of fisheries biologist and engineer Jay Kidder, worked to build a bridge over the salmon stream on Nancy and Jeff Quivey’s property. Nancy and Jay talk about fish passage issues and the value of culvert removals.

Michael Kirshenbaum, the Conservation Director of Skagit Land Trust, tells us about his work with SLT, the Cumberland Creek Land Trust property, why he loves salmon, and the importance of protecting lands for habitat preservation and recreation.